The HBR 5 model (1954–1959) was Deutsch and Bonnet's (DB) most successful project to date, with several hundred of the cars produced until 1959.

[3] Other sources (a count by the DB-Panhard clubs of France, Germany, Switzerland, and the US) account for 950 DB coupés, of which nearly all would be HBRs and their Frua-designed predecessors.

[7] An earlier prototype with a body made of Duralinox [ca] (an aluminium-magnesium alloy) had been shown at the 1953 Paris Salon, but putting the car into production took some time.

[8] Chausson built the fibreglass body; this was considered an experience-gaining effort and DB was charged a very modest per-unit price.

As with most DBs, excepting the early Citroën-engined cars, the HBRs were all equipped with modified Panhard flat-two engines and other technology.

[2] Cars equipped with the 745 cc engine were called "HBR 4", to reflect that they were in the 4CV (tax horsepower) category of the French taxation system.

[10] A 1960 Super Rallye with the 954 cc option (and twin Zenith carburetors) offered 72 CV (53 kW) at 6000 rpm and a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph).

One of the HBR's best outings was at the 1954 Le Mans, where René Bonnet himself - together with racing legend Élie Bayol finished tenth overall.